Avalanche beacon checkers installed at ski resort

Avalanche beacon check stations have been installed at three popular backcountry access points at Whitefish Mountain Resort.

One is at the summit of Flower Point, which serves as an entry point to the Canyon Creek area. A new lift at Whitefish Mountain now provides access to the area that was once only accessible by hiking.

Another beacon checker is at the snowmobile parking area at the summit of Big Mountain, and a third is at Taylor Creek Road, which is used to access Hellroaring Peak.

A fourth check station has been installed in Essex at the Marion Lake and Essex Creek trailhead.

The beacon check stations automatically check to see if an avalanche transceiver is on and working. The person wearing a transceiver stops within range of the device and a green light indicates the avalanche transceiver is on and working. A red light means it isn’t.

Signs at the check stations remind backcountry users to carry a shovel and probe, provides tips on avalanche safety, and includes contact information for avalanche updates from the Flathead Avalanche Center.

Funding for the beacon checkers was provided by Northern Rockies Avalanche Safety Workshop. Flathead Nordic Backcountry Patrol entered into an agreement with Whitefish Mountain Resort and Flathead National Forest to monitor and maintain the checkers.

A new rescue cache also has been established on Flower Point with rescue gear and first aid supplies that will be used by the Nordic Patrol when they respond to emergencies in the area.

Funds for the cache came from a grant provided by the Whitefish Community Foundation. The 2014 Doris Schumm Community Spirit Award was presented to the Nordic Patrol for its work to keep backcountry skiers safe.

To learn more about the Flathead Backcountry Nordic Patrol, visit online at www.flatheadnordic.org.